Business in Brief

Rapid Detection

Proof-of-concept tests for rapidly detecting SARS-CoV-2 and influenza have been developed by AnteoTech (1). The highly sensitive tests, which should be available within six to nine months, could reduce the spread of COVID-19 by identifying individuals with low viral load.

Accessing Antigens

The Native Antigen Company has announced a custom contract service to provide scientists with rapid access to antigen panels for existing influenza strains. Commercial Director Andy Lane says this is “vital to help distinguish infection from that of other respiratory diseases and to enable accurate diagnosis and treatment (2).”

Portal Processing

Throughout the pandemic, accelerating COVID-19 test results has been a key priority. To help, LigoLab Information System has developed the TestDirectly web portal, which streamlines the collection, processing, return, and real-time monitoring of test results (3).

In the Clouds

For many, cloud-based laboratory information systems are the way of the future. Eurofins Pathology is following suit by adopting a new cloud-based LIS – Cirdan’s ULTRA Cloud – designed to allow users to manage every stage of the histology laboratory workflow in one place (4).

Purification Automation

Need more RNA? Purigen Biosystems has launched the Ionic FFPE to Pure RNA Kit to automate higher-yield purification and concentration of RNA from FFPE tissue (5). The kit uses isotachophoresis technology and runs on Purigen’s Ionic Purification System.